NCC starts device verification to keep counterfeit phones, modems and PoS terminals off Nigerian networks

The Nigerian Communications Commission has started electronically verifying the approval status of SIM-enabled devices, a move designed to detect and stop counterfeit, cloned and non-compliant equipment from accessing telecommunications networks. Edoyemi Ogoh, the commission's Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity, announced the development on Tuesday during a news conference in Abuja. According to him, the stronger compliance system will improve monitoring of devices brought into Nigeria, sold locally and used by consumers, while also boosting network performance and safeguarding users. Type approval is the NCC's process of confirming that telecom equipment satisfies set technical standards before it can be sold or used in the country. Ogoh said devices already in stock had been properly onboarded, and that equipment imported into Nigeria in the future would be thoroughly verified and authenticated. This, he said, would create a better way to spot non-compliant, cloned or counterfeit devices and stop them from joining Nigerian networks. He said the effort came after the commission issued type approval business rules in August 2024 and held talks with manufacturers, importers, dealers, telecom operators, government agencies and industry associations. The NCC also collaborated with the Nigeria Customs Service and other participants in the device supply chain to facilitate implementation. Ogoh noted that Section 132(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 mandates that communications equipment meant for sale or use in Nigeria secure the commission's approval. The framework, he said, would reinforce compliance and help ensure that devices connecting to Nigerian networks work with existing infrastructure. He encouraged consumers to check approval status before buying phones, tablets, modems, point-of-sale terminals and other SIM-enabled devices. Buyers should ask sellers whether products have NCC type approval, he advised, adding that non-compliant equipment may harm network performance and service reliability. On privacy, Ogoh said the system only handles device identification and approval checks. It keeps details such as International Mobile Equipment Identity numbers for regulatory purposes, he explained. Ogoh stated that the initiative is aimed at regulatory compliance for communications devices, not surveillance, and that it does not give access to personal information stored on devices. He added that it would not permit access to users' photos, messages, contacts, financial data or communications content. The commission will keep running public awareness campaigns and engaging stakeholders to clarify the initiative and the roles of consumers and businesses, Ogoh said. He noted that effective implementation would depend on cooperation from government agencies, network operators, manufacturers, dealers, consumer groups and the media. Ogoh restated the NCC's dedication to upholding technical standards and protecting consumers as Nigeria's telecommunications industry grows.